Senate Urges Heavy Security Deployment as Abba Moro Raises Alarm Over Benue Killings
The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to troubled communities in Benue South following renewed attacks that claimed at least 20 lives in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, titled “Motion on the Urgent Need to Stop the Gruesome Murder of Inhabitants of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, and the Fresh Attacks on Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by Suspected Bandits.”
Presenting the motion, Moro condemned the sustained attacks on the agrarian communities of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju, which occurred between Friday and Tuesday.
According to him, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 20 people, left many others with serious injuries, displaced several residents and destroyed homes, farmlands and other properties worth millions of naira.
The lawmaker stressed that Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government, lamenting that innocent and defenseless residents had continued to suffer repeated attacks.
He warned that the coordinated nature of the assaults suggested a deliberate attempt to wipe out the affected communities, adding that failure to act swiftly could lead to a breakdown of law and order and worsen food insecurity as farmers abandon their farmlands.
Following deliberations, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of those killed and condemned the attacks in the strongest terms.
The upper legislative chamber also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies to immediately deploy adequate security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
The Senate further directed the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a thorough investigation, identify those responsible for the killings and ensure they are prosecuted.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide urgent relief materials, including food, medical supplies and temporary shelter, to displaced residents and injured victims receiving treatment.
In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage security chiefs on their operational strategies in Benue South and ensure compliance with the resolutions.
Responding to the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathised with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South over the attacks.
Akpabio said every Nigerian deserves to live without fear and should be able to sleep peacefully and carry out lawful activities safely.
He expressed confidence that the Senate’s resolutions would be implemented to prevent further attacks in the affected communities and across the country.
